GREETINGS...

Welcome friends & family... as well as you curious strangers. I answer to many different names. I am known as "David" by my close friends and family... as "Dave" by most of my Midwestern friends... and as "Hillman" by many of my Florida friends and business associates. Thus, the name of the blog, in case you were wondering.

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This new blog will be an on-going and ever-growing collection of my observations, wit and wisdom... as well as a sharing of my favorite music, history, current events and perspectives on our changing American culture .... and [hopefully] intelligent comments and discussion on all the above.

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What you see initially is a mere smattering from my cranium. I truly know not where this eclectic exercise will take us. I have no specific agenda. But, as you can see herein, my interests are "diverse", for lack of a better word. Hopefully you will be entertained and/or enlightened enough to save this blog address and check back occasionally. Your perspective on the topics, links and unusual items that I post are welcomed. Plus, please feel free to share this blog with your friends and family members.

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It is said that most people have, on average, five careers in their [adult] lifetime. Thus far, I have worked as: a Journeyman Carpenter; a Construction Field Superintendent; a Construction Project Manager; a High School Teacher (juniors & seniors); a Salesman; a Construction Estimator; a Contract Negotiator; a self-employed Residential Builder (homes, condos & apartments); a self-employed Commercial General Contractor (banks, offices, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, warehouses, retail, high-tech, etc.); a Professional Construction Consultant to Banks and property owners; and an Expert Witness for attorneys involved in construction-related lawsuits; ...with at least a couple more new "careers" yet to be realized, i.e. a Saloon Owner/Operator and an author.

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Meanwhile, what you can count on in this blog is the following: 1. I don't talk about things I don't know; 2. I say what I mean; and 3. I mean what I say. For the record, I believe our "opinions" are meant to be used for such things as picking out colors, hair styles, fashions and the latest new car models. Point being, "opinions" that are not backed up with accurate facts and sound, cognitive thinking are considered pretty much useless in these parts. So, be forewarned when you start a sentence with: "In my opinion..." Lastly, even though we are all adults around here... gratuitous insults, crudities and profanity are frowned upon. Govern yourself accordingly.

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I like to share meaningful quotes, be they mine or from others more learned than I. That being said, here's an opening quote from 'yours truly' for my new blog.....

"The hardest / most important thing in life is to always be honest with one's self."

--David Hill

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Most asked question of me since November 5, 2008.... "So, what do you think about the outcome of the election?"

My answer.... "This election was about ideology rather than ideas.... i.e. socialism verses capitalism. Unfortunately, most of the people who voted for Obama don't understand the difference between ideology and ideas. All of which bolsters my long-held position that everyone should have to pass a basic test before being allowed to vote. We have to take a test to drive. The same standard should apply to voting." --David Hill

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